Managing the Remediation Process

Fuel Oil Distribution Company
Manchester, New Hampshire

Client Challenge

A fuel oil distribution company served the Greater Manchester region as a dependable, locally owned home heating oil provider since the 1940s. The long history of oil storage and distribution activities at the site caused petroleum impacts to the site and site vicinity soil and groundwater. Aries Engineering was engaged in 2015 to lead the remediation initiative and overcome stalled regulatory progress. The project was funded by the NH Petroleum Fund with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) controlling the cost; during the project, there were remediation budget cuts, which further complicated the situation. The budget cuts led to delays and without clear communication about remedial expectations and recovery milestones, our client was unable to define a timeline for closure.   

Comprehensive Solution

With deep expertise in all aspects of site remediation, Aries Engineering delivered effective solutions that moved a stalled project forward. Using our proven approach—combining the correct technical solutions with direct, productive discussions with NHDES and other stakeholders—we quickly performed three activities:  

• Engaged regulators early. Aries initiated immediate discussions and meetings with agency representatives to pinpoint specific issues hindering project approval.  

• Delivered complete, regulatory ready submittals. Drawing on exceptional knowledge of permitting and remedial monitoring requirements, Aries prepared detailed documentation that directly addressed agency concerns.  

• Maintained project momentum. Through timely submissions and consistent communication, Aries ensured that the project advanced smoothly, allowing the client to continue operations without disruption.  

Aries coordinated strategy overcame regulatory barriers and reinforced confidence, positioning the client for success.  

Beneficial Outcome

Aries’ history of successful remediation project outcomes, our structured regulatory approach, and diligent documentation put the remediation project back on track. Aries team lead was “instrumental in securing cleanup approvals, acting as an extension of our team (client) and getting the results in a shorter timeline than expected.” Aries’ professional team served as a bridge between our client and NHDES, translating remedial progress into agency-compliant documentation, and converting a stalled project into a successful remedial project, earning a remedial Certificate of Completion, and a path to site closure. In addition, our client could entertain acquisition opportunities, with full regulatory confidence.